Slug casting machine



Nov. 6, 1934. A. J. STOUGES SLUG CASTING MACHINE 6 Sheets-She et 1 Filed May 12, 1933 LLIF INVENTOR 0 L X A TTOR EV;

' Nov. 6, 1934.

A. J. STOUGES SLUG CASTING MACHINE N6 Sheets-Shet 2 Filed May 12, 1933 f INVENTOR B (WW1 TT RNEYS Nov. 6, 1934. A. J. STOUGES 1,980,112

SLUG CASTING MACH INE Filed May 12, 1955 GSh'eets-Sheefi 5 Nov. 6, 1934. A J. STOUGES SLUG CASTING MACHINE Filed May 12, 1933 .6 Sheets-Sheet 4 [N VENTO R 1;.

A TTOR Nov. 6, 1934. A. J. STOUGES SLUG CASTING MACHINE Filed May 12, 1935 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 IN VENTOR A TTOR E V! Patented Nov. 6, 1934 UNITED STATES 1,980,112 SLUG CASTING MACHINE Anthony J. Stouges, Queens Village, N. Y., as-

signor to Mergenthaler Linotype Company, a corporation of New York Application May 12, 1933, Serial No. 670,712

29 Claims. (01. 19949) matrices formed with projecting ears on their opposite edges, large special matrices devoid of such projecting ears, and other special matrices formed with projecting ears at their upper and lower ends (commonly known as Ludlow matrices).

In the use of the improved machine, the matrices are composed in line in a hand-stick or holder which then is placed in the machine and the composed line thereafter presented automatically to the casting mechanism which is equipped with molds of the requisite character to cooperate with the different forms of matrices with which the machine is adapted to be equipped. In order to present the composed line to the casting mechanism, it is positioned in a holder (in the particular embodiment illustrated, the vertically movable first elevator) which, because of the many forms of matrices, is equipped with a front plate having interchangeable sections, detachably mounted therein so as to permit the selection and use of the section corresponding to the form of the matrices employed.

In accordance with the usual custom, the matrices forming the composed lines are presented to the mold with their casting edges vertically disposed, the mold pressed tightly against the line during the casting of the slug, and the line and mold thereafter separated to permit ejection of the slug. As a precaution against displacement of the matrices from the holder during the separation of the line and mold (particularly in the instance of special matrices devoid of projecting ears), the present improvements include the provision of a rail projecting above the horizontal alining ledge of the matrix holder, which is adapted to engage in notches provided for this purpose in the alining surfaces of the matrices.

A hand-stick with a line composed therein, is placed on a supporting table arranged at the transfer level, located in endwise alinement with the transporter and the line transferred, the transfer means employed being similar to that described in my prior Patent No. 1,899,648. The mechanism for locating the line in endwise alinement with the transporter, includes a movable device provided with a vertical plate serving as a closure member for the hand-stick. The device is moved forwardly to bring the plate in contact with the matrix line, and the plate and stick together moved rearwardly until arrested by a fixed abutment, with the line between a pair of depending fingers carried by the transfer carriage and in endwise alinement with the transporter. The plate is held against the fixed abutment by a pair of springs and the composed line against the alining plate by a latch dog carried by a depending lug on the carriage and which automatically engages behind the front face of the stick, suitable resilient means being provided for holding the dog in its active position. After the slug is cast, the line may be returned to the stick and removed from the machine by grasping the alining plate and pulling it forwardly, the dog being caused automatically to release the stick by means which cam it downwardly to inactive position.

The improved machine also includes an intermediate transfer channel between the stick and transporter which is equipped with a plurality of adjustable members-presenting supporting ledges for the matrices during transfer and which have a series of adjustments whereby the channel may be adapted to provide the proper support for the particular form of matrix being used.

Referring to the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a front view of a portion of the improved machine, showing the transporter at the uppermost level, the intermediate channel, the line transfer mechanism, and the hand-stick in partial section with a line composed therein;

Fig. 2 is a top view of the parts shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 shows, in perspective,'two special forms of matrices with which the machine is adapted to be equipped;

Fig. 4 shows, in perspective, forms of matrices known commercially as low matrices;

Figs. 5 and 5 are perspective views of the regular linotype matrices;

Fig. 6 shows aportion of a composed line wherein short and long special matrices are arranged side by side;

Fig. 7 is a vertical '7'7 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 8 is a vertical section taken on line 8'8 of Fig. 2, showing the parts of the locating device in normalrearward position;

Fig. 9 is a sectional view similar to Fig. 8, showing the locating device in its forward position;

Fig. 10 is a sectional view similar to Fig. 8, showing the hand-stick locked against displacement in its line transfer position;

Figs. 11 to 16 are sectional views through the intermediate channel on line 11-11 of Fig. 2, and showing the different adjustments for the various forms of matrices;

Figs. 1'7 to 22 are partial vertical sections on line '7--7 of Fig. 2, showing the various forms of v interchangeable front section plates; and

Fig. 23 is a longitudinal section through the front wall of the transporter, showing the means for detachably securing the interchangeable sections in the front plate.

two other special Lud- section taken on the line The disc A (see Fig. '7) is rotatably mounted, as usual, on the .fore-and-aft mold slide (not shown) and is equipped with four slottedmolds, any selected one of which may be brought into use by the rotary adjustment of the disc A by the manual operation of the usual driving pinion (not shown). As the machine is started, the mold disc is given a quarter turn in an anticlockwise direction (looking from the front of the machine) to locate the selected mold in the casting position. The first elevator or transporter B then descends to position a line of matrices (previously delivered thereto) in :front of the active mold, where theline is justified bee tween a pair of clamping jaws C mounted in the fixed vertically disposed vise frame .D. The mold slide is now moved forward to bring the active mold up against the composed line, which thereby closes the mold slot at .the front, and the metal pot is likewise advanced from its normal position behind the disc A to bring the mouthpiece thereof up against the back of the mold, thereby closing the mold slot at the rear. The descent of the pot plungers immediately follows and molten metal .is ejected from the pot into the mold to produce the. slug. After the casting operation, the pot and mold are caused to recede, the transporter B is raised, and the active mold is carried to the slug ejecting position. As the machine completes its cycle of operation, the slug isejected from the mold and the transporter B is finally arrested at its original or uppermost level. The several. molds may include two of the usual height or depth and of regular construction to cooperate with the regular matrices Y, Y and two of less than the usual height or depth and of special construction to cooperate withthe special matrices X, X and Z, Z a I The regular matrices Y and Y (see Figs. 5 and 1 5 are formed'with the upper projecting ears y andthe lower projecting-ears 1/ The matrices Y are provided with two superposed characters g and confined to the smaller text fonts ranging below 14 pt.', while the matrices Y are pro- Vided with but a single character 1 and confined to the larger head letter and display fonts above 14 pt. The characters of the regular matrix fonts are positioned as usual, and for reasons well: known, with reference ,to a common datum line for top alinement, whereas the characters x, x of the special fonts, and whichhave a range up to 72 pt. in height in the instance-of the matrices X and up to 144 pt. in height in the instance of the matrices X, are positioned (as 1 shown in Fig. 6) with reference to a common datum line cz--a for base alinement, so that the matrices may be mixed indiscriminately in the same line, irrespective of the height of their individual characters.

The special matrices X are formed on their bottom edges with alining surfaces r and in theircasting edges with recesses or routing notches x which are preferablyof a depth to compensate for the reduced depth of the special molds, The special matrices (X are further formed in their bottom alining edges with transverse notches m which are adapted to receive the top edge of an upstandingrail provided in the line holder, and which (acts to prevent displacement of the matrices from their supporting ledges.

The larger special matrices X (those ranging up to 144 pt.) are formedin their rear edges with recesses the upper faces of which present 3 under alining surfaces r at the same level as the their casting edges with recesses or routing notches :1 These recesses extend considerably below the alining surfaces x to accommodate the larger characters, and in the front or casting edges and adjacent the sides thereof, these matrices are further provided with walls r extending upwardly from the lower edges m slightly beyond the level of the alining surfaces 11: so that when these larger matrices are composed in line with the matrices X (as shown in Fig. 6) the routing notches or recesses therein are closed off in that portion which extends be. low the base of an adjacent matrix 'to prevent metal squirts. Both the matrices X and X are further provided in their upper edges with recesses x adapted to receive the lower edge of the line transporter rear plate which, together with the upstanding rail in the front plate engagingin the notches x and at", serve to retain the matrices against displacement from the transporter.

Blank matrices X (Fig. 6) similar in form to the special matrices X but devoidof the recesses x are used, one at each end of the composed line, likewise to prevent metal squirts through said recesses during casting.

The special matrices Z, Z Fig. 4, (known commercially as Ludlow matrices) are formed-on their upper edges withupwardly projecting ears and on their lower edges with alining" surfaces 2 and downwardly. projecting ears 2 the ears e Jand a serving to retain the matrices in the holder. The matrices Z, Z are also provided'in their casting edges with recesses or routing notches 2' and when they are composed in line blank matrices similar in form thereto, but devoid of recesses or routing notches,v are used, one at each end of a composed line, as 'in the caseof matricesX and X a 'Thekline transporter B (Fig. 7) comprises the elongated vertically disposed 'body portion B slidably mounted in the fixed vise frame D, the top flange B 'which overhangs said frame, and thehorizontally disposed head portion B which depends from the rear edge of the flange B The head portion B wherein the matrix lines are sustainedconsists of the front and rear side walls B and B and an intermediate spacing block 13 arranged at one end of the head (see Figs. .2 and 7.).

In order that the machine may readily be adapted to sustain a line of any of the different forms of matrices X, X QY, Y and Z, '21, the front wall B of the holder is provided with a set of interchangeable sections, B B B and B any selected one of which maybe used depend ing upon the form of the matrices employed. The interchangeable sections are detachably secured in a recess B in the front wall B bykey slots .27 provided in the wall and headed screws moval of the sections when desired (see Fig. 23).

The interchangeable section B (Figs. 7, l7 and 18) is adapted for use with the special matrices X, X and the larger regular headletter matrices Y and is provided with spaced horizontal recesses b andb adjacent its upper and lower LEE r'vided near ijacent the top with an opposed shoulder b located. at a slightly higher level than the lower edge of the rear side wall 13 and also with a horizontal edge rail lb projecting above the supporting ledge 12 The arrangement of these parts is such that, when the special matrices X or X are supported in the holder, the lower edge of the rear wall B will fit or snugly engage the front notches in the upper ends of the matrices, the

rear edges of the notches will be received between the opposed shoulder b and the alining ledge b and the rail b will extend into the notches x or as" which, in a composed line of the matrices X, X will be in lateral registry, the matrices thus being sustained in upright position and prevented from being disengaged from the holder after a casting operation.

When the head letter matrices Y are used, the transporter B (as in my prior Patent No. 1,899,- 648) is equipped with a removable auxiliary back plate B (see Fig. 18), detachably connected by means of a tongue and groove B to the rear wall B of the transporter head. The plate 13 is wider than the rear wall B of the transporter, so that the lower edge thereof, when the plate is attached, is just below the upper projecting ears g of the matrices Y when supported by the ledge b The rail b projects into grooves 11 cut in the lower alining edges of the matrices Y to ireceive the rail, which grooves likewise are'in lateral registry when a composed line is in the The interchangeable section B for use with the regular two-letter matrices Y and the head .letter matrices Y (see Figs. 19 and 20) is prothe bottom with a horizontal supporting ledge b and'near the top with a horizontal recess b to accommodate the upper projecting ears of the matrices. I Whenthe section B is used for the head letter matrices Y the auxiliary back plate B (shown in Fig. 18) is attached to the rear wall B of the transporter,

whereas when the matrices Y are in use, an auxiliary back plate 13 is employed, differing from the auxiliary back plate B in that it is wider, and is provided at its lower edge with a horizontal sustaining ledge b whch is positioned, when the plate is attached, beneath the upper projecting ears of the matrices when supported by the ledge 12 The ledge b is adapted to support the .matrices Y at the normal lower casting level (Fig. 20), and a corresponding ledge b which is located directly above the ledge b, is adapted to support the matrices at the normal upper casting lever (Fig. 19).

The interchangeable section B (Fig. 21) is likewise arranged to be detachably secured in the front wall B of the holder or transporter when the special matrices Z are in use. The section B is provided with a lower horizontal ledge b and a horizontal edge rail b extending above the ledge, the construction providing a support for the alining surfaces 2 of the matrices Z and a horizontal groove accommodating the lower projecting ears a The section B is provided at its top with a horizontal groove, accommodating the upper projecting ears 2 of the matrices Z and formed between the rear face of the section B and a short flange 17 depending from the rear edge of a retaining member 19 extending along the upper edge of said section B and secured thereto by means of a longer flange b and flat headed screws 11 threaded into the wall thereof. The section'B 'has a portion of its front face cut away to receive the flange D so that the outer face thereof will be flush with the front face of the, section.

- The interchangeable section B 1 (Fig. 22) is employed with the larger special matrices Z, and is in all respects similarv to the section B except that the ledge Z2 and the upper edge of the rail 12 of section B corresponding to ledge 19 and rail b of section B, are spaced a greater distance from the upper edge of the section B to accommodate the larger matrices.

The interchangeable detachable sections B", 13*, B and B thus permit the front wall B of the holder readily to be altered to suit any form of matrix with which the casting machine is adapted to be equipped.

The line to be transferred to the transporter B, is composed in a hand-stick J which comprises a bottom wall J a side wall J integral with. and rising from the front edge of the bottom wall, and two end walls J and J which form abutments for the opposite ends of a composed line. In Fig. 8, the hand stick is shown as equipped with the smaller special matrices X and for this reason the bottom wall J is spaced somewhat above the lower edge of the front wall J The bottom wall J is however provided at its ends with depending legs J extending the width of the stick and having their bottom edges flushwith the bottom edge of the front wall J so that the stick rests true on the table H. In the case of the other matrices, however, it is to be understood thatdifferent hand-sticks suitable for the purpose, will be used.

As in my prior Patent No. 1,899,648, the end walls J and J as will be noted (see Figs; 2 and 8 to 10) are pivotally mounted in verticalslots or notches J formed in the side wall J so that they may be rocked edgewise back and forth into and out of active" or line retaining position; the respective pivot pins 7' thereof being located immediately adjacent the bottom of the wall J The pivotal movement of the end walls J and J 4 is reduced to a minimum by makingthem triangular in form; thus, their lower inclinededges 7' in the active position of the walls extend diagonally upward from the pivot pins 7' across the ends of the stick, and their outer straight edges i conform to the rectangular outline thereof. Consequently, by swinging the walls J J forwardly through an arc of they will be located completely out of the path of the matrix line. Suitable means (not shown) as for instance ball detents mounted in the stick'and engaging corresponding shallow recesses in the side faces of the end walls J ,'J'% may be provided to hold the latter against accidental displacement and maintain them 'yieldingly in their differentpositions.

While the side wall J of the stick is adequate in itself tosupport and guide the end walls J J during their pivotal movements, additional sidemembers J", J in the normal or active position of the walls J J and are formed with cammed surfaces 7' by which the end walls may be swung to their inactive position (see Fig. 10).

The stick Jwith a composed line therein and the end walls J J in active position, is placed upon the table H arranged at the level of the Stran'sporterfB in its uppermost position. The stick is positioned with the front face of the wall J in contact with the vertical rear edges of abutments H mounted on the table H, andwith its left end abutting against the right most face of the intermediate channel block L The abutlposebeing secured to a sliding member H provided with a tongue H sliding in a grooved block I-I 'fixedly secured by screws h to the table H. The forward movement of the plate H is against the tension of springs h secured at their forward 'ends to pins k in the alining plate and anchored at their rear ends to the stationary block H the springs serving to hold the plate H in its rearmost position as determined by abutments h on the stationary block H and against which the rear face of the plate'H rests.

With the plate H closing the hand-stick, the plate and stick are together moved rearwardly to 'bring the composed line between the depending rflngers F and F of the transfer'carriage F, and

,when the hand-stick and plate are brought to rest by the abutments h the composed line is in end- ,wise alinement with the transporter and ready for transfer by the carriage.

The hand-stick is held against displacement in its alined position by a latch-dog H pivoted to a depending lug it" carried by the slide H and being received in a slot 71, provided in the table H. As

shown in Fig. 8, the slot is provided at its front end with a cam surface 71. conforming in shape to an opposed cam surface h on the latch-dog H The dog has a retaining abutment 71 extending above the upper surface of the table H adapted to engage the front face of the stick in its rearmost position. When the alining plate H is moved forwardly, the opposed cam surfaces k h act to cam the dog H downwardly against the action of a leaf spring H' fastened to the under surface of the table H and having its free end engaging the bottom edge of the dog; the dog passing below the surface of the'table H (see Fig. 9) whereas, when the plate H and the hand-stick J are moved rearwardly tobring the composed line into alinement 1 with the transporter, the dog is urged upwardly by the spring H automatically to lock the hand stick in this position, the retaining abutment h engaging behind the front surface of the handstick front wall J (see Fig. 10)

In order to remove the line from the machine after a slug has been cast and the line'returned to the hand-stick, it is necessary merely to grasp the alining plate H and draw it forwardly, the dog H under these conditions being automatically ,cammed downwardly by the interaction of the cam surface k IL, and as the abutments H are directly opposed to the end walls J J of the stick, said walls will be turned to their active position (as shown in Fig. 9), wherein they render support for the ends of the line.

The composed line 'is transferred from the hand-stick J to the transporter or holder B through an intermediate channel L, the transfer mechanism for this purpose including a reciprocable carriage F mounted to slide in horizontal angular guideways G, supported at the right of the transporter B in standing brackets G G upon the table H, and which extends to the left beyond the table directly above the transporter head 3% The guideways G present a front upper wall G formed with alongitudinal groove g. and a lower rear'supporting flange G engaged in the open recesses or notches 9 formed in the tops of the brackets G G I The carriage F comprises, generally, a main horizontal portion F a pair of retaining'gibs'lF, F secured thereto in spaced relation, a tie rod F rigidly connecting the gibs together toinsure the required stability, and intermediate anti-friction rollers f by which it is supported and maintained in the guideways G. The bar F fits against the rear face of the wall G of the guideways, and the gibs F F which are fastened at their upper ends to the bar Fkfitted against the front face of said wall. a The rollers f are arranged to track upon the top surface of the wall G and the rollers f are arranged in the longitudinal groove g. The

carriage F is operable by a vertical handle F rising from one end of the bar F and bywhich it may be shifted manually to and fro in the guideways G to transfer matrix lines from the stick J to a definite position in the transporter B. The reciprocal movements of thecarriage F are limited by 'a pair of stop screws g gtmounted in the guideways G at the opposite ends thereof, the stop screws 9 at the left being disposed in the path of the gib F of the carriage, and the stopscrew g at the right being disposed in the'path of the corresponding gib F. l i

The carriage is also provided with a pair of depending line engaging fingers F F whichv are spaced a givendistance apart andjadapted to enter the transporter between the side walls 3*, B The distance between the fingers F F corresponds to the distancebe-tween the end walls of the stick J so that the said'end walls will. be

rocked forwardly out of the path'of the matrix line by the engagement of their nose portions 5i with the transfer fingers when the hand-stick is moved rearwardly on the tableH intothe line transfer position, as previously described. The transfer carriage and its guideways are more fully described in -my prior Patent No. 1,899,648(

The intermediate channel through which the composed line passes during transfer from the stick J to the transporter B is mounted on the table H and comprises mainly a rear vertical wall L and a front wall L (see Figs. 11 to 16),

which latter is equipped with movable sections L L adjustable to present matrix supporting ledges corresponding to the ledges presented by the various interchangeable sections B", B, B

an'dB with which the transporter front wall is adapted to be equipped. The front wall L includes a block L mounted on the table H with the upper portion of its inner face equipped with a face plate L secured thereto, and provided with a horizontal recess 2 of a width sufficient to accommodate the upper projecting ears of the regular linotype matrices Y -and the matrices Y when composed either at their upper or lower levels.

The bottom face of the block L (Figs. 1 and 2) presents a T-shaped recess L" serving as a guide for the correspondingly shaped adjustable blocks rices.

resale I I1 which are mounted one above the other. The blocks L L each have two positions of adjustment and for this purpose have a pair of holes Z Z in block L positioned one behind the other, and a pair of similarly positioned holes Z Z in block L A verticalpin Z extends through a hole Z provided in the block L and is adapted also to extend through one'or another of the holes Z Z and Z 2 depending upon the desired adjustment of the blocks L L Thus, when the machine is equipped to handle the special matrices X the blocks L L are positioned, as shown in Fig. 11, with the pin Z extending through the rear hole 1 in block L and the front hole Z in block L With this adjustment, the rear edge of the block I, presents a guiding face for the rear edges of the matrices, whereas the block L extends substantially across the channel with the extended portion of its upper face presenting a supporting surface or ledge for the lower edges of the matrices during transfer.

Fig. 12 illustrates the adjustment of the blocks L L when the machine is adapted to be equipped with the special matrices X which have the long 25 projecting portions extending below their alining faces m For this adjustment of the blocks, the pin Z extends through the rear holes Z 1 in the blocks L L respectively, and the blocks L will project into the channel a distance substantially equal to the depth of the alining surface 3:

of the matrices and thus present a supporting ledge for said surfaces of the matrices during transfer, the block L as in the case of the matrices X presenting a vertical guiding wall for the rear edges of the matrices When the machine is adapted to be equipped with the special matrices Z (see Fig. 13) the adjustment of the blocks L L is the same as for the special matrices X the projecting upper surface of the block providing. a supporting ledge for the lower edges 2 of said matrices, and as these matrices are provided in their lower edges with projecting ears 2 the block L is formed in its upper surface with a guide slot Z to accommodate such projecting ears during transfer.

When the machine is adapted to be equipped with the special matrices Z which are shorter in length than the matrices Z, the block L is adjusted to its innermost position with the pin Z extending into the front hole Z therein. For this adjustment, the block L extends into the channel and presents a supporting ledge for the matrices Z the upper surface of the block L being likewise provided with a guide slot Z similar to the one in the block L to accommodate the downwardly projecting ears 2 of these matrices.

The adjustments of the blocks L and L for the regular linotype matrices are shown in Figs.

-15 and 16. When all of the matrices are composed at the upper level, the pin Z is adjusted to extend through the rear holes Z Z of the blocks L L respectively, the block L in this position presenting a supporting ledge for the mat- The rear edge of the block L presents a guiding wall for the matrices, and is provided in its lower portion with a guide slot Z to accommodate the lower projecting ears thereof. When the regular matrices are composed at the lower "level or when the matrices are composed at different levels, the blocks L L are adjusted with their rear faces flush one with the other (Fig. 16), the block L being formed in its rear edge with a guide slot Z to receive the lower projecting ears of the matrices composed at the lower level,

whereas the guide slot Pin the rear face of the block L jwill'receive the lower projecting, ears of those matrices composed at the upper level.

' To facilitate the adjustment of the blocks, each of them is provided at their front edges with projectingstuds L equippedflat their forward posed line therein placed on the table H with its" front face against the abutments H and its left end abutting against the block L of the intermediate channel which acts toposition the handstick with'the end plates J J thereof, between the abutments H and the'depending fingers F F of the transfer carriageF. The'alinin'gplate H ispulled forwardly until it comes in contact" with the casting edges of the matrices in" which position it closes the hand-stick at the rear; The hand-stick and plate are then movedrearwardly together until the alining plate, H is a'rrested by the abutments b posed line is positioned between the depending fingers F "F of the transfer carriage Fj and in By this operation. the comendwise alinement with the transporter B ready for transferfthe latch-dog H as will be recalled," automatically engaging" behind the front face of: the hand-stick to hold thecomposed line against displacement in the transfer position; The op' erator thereupon grasps the handle F ,of' the transfer carriage and moves'it to the'left until it arrives in the position indicated by dotted lines in Fig. 1, wherein the composed line will be supported by the front and rear walls B and B respectively, of the transporter head B The machine is started in the usual way, the transporter descends to position the composed line in casting position, the mold advanced and the slug cast in the usual manner. ascends to its upper level, again positioning the composed line between the depending fingers" of the transfer carriage, which latter is thereupon moved by the operator to the right to the normal position, as indicated in full lines in Fig; 1. The operator thereupon grasps the alining plate H and pulls it forwardly, until the hand-stick is arrested'by theabutments H During this operation the latch dog H is cammed downwardlyto release the hand-stick, the abutments H at the same time engaging the front edges of the end walls J J of the hand-stick and causing them to be turned to their active position, wherein they sustain the ends of the line and prevent endwise movement thereof asthe stick is removed from the table.

In the accompanying drawings the invention Thereafter the transporter combination of a holder forpresenting a composed line of matrices in operative relation to the mold, and a set of interchangeable sections for adapting the holder to support matrices of the different forms.

2. In a slug casting machine adapted to be equipped with matrices of different forms, the combination of a holder for presenting a composed line of matrices inoperative relation to the mold, a set of interchangeable sections for adapting the holder to support matrices of the different forms, and means for detachably securing a selected one of said sections in the holder depending upon the form of the matrices to be used.

3. In a slug casting machine adapted to be equipped with matrices of dilferent forms, the combination of a holder for presenting a composed line of matrices in operative relation to the mold, said holder comprising relatively fixed front and rear walls between which the. matrices are supported, and a set of interchangeable sectionsfinsertible in and removable from the fixed front wall for adapting the holder'to support matrices of thedifferent forms.

4.-In a slug casting machine adapted to be equipped with matrices of different forms, the combination of a holder for presenting a composed line ofmatrices in operative relation to the mold, said holder comprising relatively fixed front and rear. walls between which the matrices are supported, and a set ofinterchangeable sections insertable in and removable from the fixed front wall, said'sections presenting matrix supporting ledges at different levels to adapt the holder to support matrices of the different forms.

5. In a slug casting machine, a holder for presenting' a composed line ofmatrices in casting relation to the mold, said holder being provided -1 with amember engaging in notches formed in: the alining edges of the matrices to prevent disengagement ofthe matrices from their supporting means. I

6. In a slug casting machine adapted to be equipped with matrices formed in their front or, casting edges with intaglio characters and provided with alining surfaces formed with transverse notches therein, a holder for presentinga composed line of matrices in casting relation tothe mold, said holder being provided with a supporting ledge upon whichthe alining surfaces of the matrices are adapted to rest with the transverse notches in lateral registry, and with a rail engaging in said notches and serving to hold the matrices in place upon said ledge.

7. A type casting matrix having an intaglio character formed in the bottom of a recess cut in the casting edge, and being equipped with side walls extending from. the base of therecess and flush with the casting edge, said walls serving to close the lower .portion'of the recess where it extends beyond the edge of a shorter adjoining.

matrix composed in line therewith.

8. A type casting matrix having an intaglio character formed in the bottom of a recess cut in its casting edge, an alining surface formed in the edge opposite thereto and above the bottom edge of the matrix, and side walls extending from the base of the recess from the lower portion thereof to a point just above the level of said alining surface.

9. .A type'casting matrixhaving an intaglio character formed in the bottom of a recess cut in itscasting edge, andsidewalls extending from .the basaof therecess for a portion of itslength,

mean

' of a slotted mold, and aline of matrices support ed in casting relation to the mold, said line including character-bearing matrices of different lengths having intaglio characters formed in the bottoms of recesses cut in the casting edgesof the matrices, the recess of along matrix extending beyond the end of an adjoining short matrix, and having a side wall extending from the base of the recess in the side adjacent the shorter Illa-.- trix to close off that portion of the recess extending beyond the end; of the adjoining shortermatrix.

11. A type casting matrix having one edge containing a character impression, another edge at rightanglesthereto presenting an under alining surface, and a retaining notch cut in the alining surface. i j

12. A type casting matrix having its front edge containing a character impression, a rear edge having a rectangular recess presenting an under alining surface at right angles to the front edge,

and a retaining notch cut in the alining surface.

18. In a slug casting machine adapted to be equipped With matrices differing in form other transporter for, presenting a composed line of matrices to the mold, an assembling device in which the matrices are composed, means for transferring the composed line from the assembling device to the transporter, and an intermediate channel, between the assembling device and the transporter having means for presenting sup-' portingledges at different levels to adapt the channel to the form of matrices to be transferred;

l5. In-a slug casting machine adapted .tobe equipped with matrices differing in form, other than by character size, the combination of a transporter for presenting a composed line of matrices to the mold, an assembling device in which the matrices are composed, means for. transferring the composed line from the assembling device to the transporten'and an'intermediate channel, between the assembling device and the transporter having an adjustable wall to; ac

commodate matrices of different forms,

16. In a slug casting machine adapted to be equipped with matrices of different forms, the

combination of a transporter for presentinga composed line of matrices to the mold, an assem bling device in which the matrices are composed,

means for transferring the composed line from the assembling device to the transporter, and, an intermediate channel between the assembling device and v the transporter, said intermediate channel being formed with a pair of adjustable members presenting supporting ledges either one of which may be used depending on theform of matrix to be transferred.-

17. In a slug casting machine adapted to be 15d.

equipped with matrices of different forms, the combination of a transporter for presenting a composed line of matrices to the mold, an assembling device in which the matrices are composed, means for transferring the composed line from the assembling device to the transporter, and an intermediate channel between the assembling device and the transporter, said intermediate channel having one of its wall members provided with a plurality of slidable members arranged one above another, and each presenting a supporting ledge, said members being independently adjustable into and out of the channel to bring a selected supporting ledge into service, depending upon the form of the matrices to be transferred.

18. In a slug casting machine, the combination of an assembler in which a line is composed, a transporter for presenting the composed line to the mold and an intermediate channel therebetween, said intermediate channel having adjustable members presenting supporting ledges for matrices of different forms, and means for securing the adjustable members in one or another of a plurality of positions depending on the form of the matrices employed.

19. In a typographical machine, the combination of a transporter into which a line of matrices is transferred, a hand-stick wherein the matrices are composed in line, a table for supporting the hand-stick at the transporter level, said handstick being movable into and out of transfer position, and means operating automatically to hold the hand-stick against displacement when the hand-stick is moved into transfer position.

20. In a typographical machine, the combination of a transporter into which a line of matrices is transferred, a hand-stick wherein the matrices are composed in line, a table for supporting the hand-stick at the transporter level, said handstick being movable into and out of transfer position, and means operating automatically to hold the hand-stick against displacement when the hand-stick is moved into transfer position and operating automatically to release the hand-stick when it is moved out of transfer position.

21. In a typographical machine, the combination of a line transporter into which a line of matrices is transferred, a hand-stick wherein the matrices are composed in line and movable into and out of transfer position, a table for supporting the hand-stick, a vertically arranged plate mounted on the table serving to close the hand-stick and determine the transfer position thereof, and a latch dog pivoted below the plate and adapted automatically to engage an outer face of the hand-stick to hold it against displacement when it is moved into transfer, position.

22. In a typographical machine, the combination of a line transporter into which a line of matrices is transferred, a hand-stick wherein the matrices are composed in line and movable into and out of transfer position, a table for supporting the hand-stick, a sliding member provided with a plate for closing the hand-stick and movable with it to determine its transfer position, and a latch dog pivoted to the sliding member and engaging the hand-stick to hold it against displacement when it is moved into transfer position.

23. A combination as set forth in claim 22, characterized by the fact that the latch dog is urged to active position by a leaf spring engaging the bottom thereof, and that means are provided for camming the latch dog out of active position as the hand-stick is moved out of transfer position.

24. In a typographical machine, the combination of a line transporter, a hand-stick having a closed front face and an open rear face, a table provided with abutments for positioning the hand-stick thereon, a sliding member mounted on the. table and provided with an alining plate, said sliding member being adapted to be drawn forwardly against spring tension until the plate contacts with the matrix line to close the handstick, and. to be moved rearwardly to aline the hand-stick with the transporter, a latch dog pivotally mounted on the sliding member and disposed in a slot provided in the table, said dog automatically engaging the hand-stick and holding it against displacement in its alined position, and means for automatically disengaging the dog from the stick as it is returned to its position against said abutments.

25. In a typographical machine, the combination of a line transporter, a hand-stick wherein the matrices are composed in line, a table for supporting the hand-stick, means on the table for alining the hand-stick endwise with the transporter, and a device including resilient means for holding the hand-stick against displacement in its alined position.

26. A combination as in claim 25, characterized by the fact that the device for holding the hand-stick against displacement in its alined position includes a movable member, a fixed abutment therefor determining the alining position, and a spring for holding the member against its abutment.

27. In a typographical composing machine,

the combination of a line transporter into which a line of matrices is transferred, a hand-stick wherein the matrices are composed in line and movable into and out of line transfer position, said hand-stick including a pair of pivoted end walls serving when in active position to support the ends of the line and when in inactive position to permit transfer of the line from the handstick, a table for supporting the hand-stick, means serving to render the end Walls inactive when the hand-stick is moved to line transfer position, and means mounted on the table and serving to render the end walls active when the hand-stick is moved out of line transfer position.

28. In a typographical composing machine, the combination of a line transporter into which a line of matrices is transferred, a hand-stick wherein the matrices are composed in line and movable into and out of line transfer position, said hand-stick including a pair of pivoted end walls serving when in active position to support the ends of the line and when in inactive position to permit transfer of the line from the handstick, a table for supporting the hand-stick, means serving to render the end walls inactive when the hand-stick is moved to line transfer position, and means mounted on the table adapted to engage the front edges of the end walls and serving to turn said walls to active line supporting position when the hand-stick is moved out of line transfer position.

29. A combination in accordance with claim 27, wherein the means for rendering the end walls of the hand-stick active comprise a pair of abutments opposed to said walls and acting to engage the front edges thereof when the hand-stick is moved out of line transfer position.

ANTHONY J. STOUGES. 

